Sky Limo Shuttles - buyer beware

Question

This is a post about a recent trip my wife and I made from HKIA to Huaqiangbei during a 12 hour stopover.

For those that don't know, Huaqiangbei is the place for shopping for hi-tech gadgets and is on the mainland.

We were unsure of the best option, because there are many, but at the airport we saw the Sky Limo's booth and asked how much to Huaqiangbei; we were told HK$150 per person. We paid and were rushed to a nearby minibus with 7 other passengers already on board. The driver (who clearly thought he was a racing driver) took us through the HK passport control and then we exited at the border control for China at Shenzhen Port. When we got through there was no minibus for the onward journey. I spoke to the driver of another Sky Limo shuttle and he advised they do not take passengers to Huaqiangbei, just the border.

If you are doing this trip, I'd suggest the 43A bus (actually as comfortable as the minibus) via Lo Wu, which we did on our return trip, very, very easy.

Answer

If you are planning a short stopover in Hong Kong and want to visit Huaqiangbei for electronics shopping, it’s important to carefully choose your transportation option. Huaqiangbei is located in Shenzhen, across the border from Hong Kong, so crossing involves both Hong Kong and Mainland China immigration controls.

Based on recent experiences, some airport shuttle services, such as Sky Limo, may mislead passengers regarding their actual service. For example, they may advertise direct trips to destinations like Huaqiangbei but only take passengers to the border, leaving travelers to arrange onward transport themselves.

For a reliable and straightforward journey, consider the following options:

Bus 43A via Lo Wu: This route is very easy to use, comfortable, and takes you directly to the Shenzhen border. From there, you can take local transport (taxi or metro) to Huaqiangbei.
Public transport with MTR: Take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station, then the MTR East Rail Line to Lo Wu station. After passing through customs, take the Shenzhen Metro Line 1 to Huaqiangbei. This method is straightforward if you’re comfortable navigating the metro system.
Private taxi or ride-hailing after border: If convenience is a priority, you can arrange a taxi or DiDi ride on the Shenzhen side to reach Huaqiangbei directly after clearing customs.

Overall, travelers should be cautious about booking “direct” airport shuttles for trips into Shenzhen, confirm exactly where the service ends, and have a clear plan for onward transportation. Using the 43A bus or MTR is often easier, more transparent, and avoids unexpected issues.

Sky Limo Shuttles - buyer beware

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